For advisers running a global asset allocation model, it seems there's never been a good benchmark. Well, beta managers, Morgan Stanley Capital International's Global Capital Markets Index may be the solution for you.

In 1965, CEOs of large American corporations earned 20 times as much as their typical employee. Today, it's 270 times. Brown argues this income inequality to be the economy's greatest obstacle to recovery.

President Obama is expected to nominate Janet Yellen as chairwoman of the Federal Reserve this Wednesday. Should Yellen be approved by Senate and accept the position, she will come to the post amidst a huge fiscal debate and unemployment disappointments. It's her show now.

Stock markets are closing lower and lower as the government remains shutdown. Brown argues that a greater fall in stock prices may be the wake-up call Washington needs. The market needs to scare congress straight before Washington will get serious about finalizing a budget plan and re-open the government.

In a recent interview, one expert worries that investors in one market sector – hedge funds – are increasingly moving into similar positions, which could lead to crowded trading. That could be a problem.

A surprisingly high number of Americans don't understand the impact of interest rates on their retirement accounts and investment portfolios, according to a recent survey. But the level of comprehension increased with age, to a point.

Although the beleaguered Bill Ackman received negative publicity after he took a spat between him and J.C. Penney's directors public, Brown says his bets are on Ackman. Leaving J.C. Penney was the smartest thing Ackman has done in a while, Brown says.

Facebook has been growing since its IPO last year, and advertising revenue for the company increased 61 percent from last year. Facebook is making a lot of money now and starting to deliver on the promise of its IPO.

Asset reflation has allowed the US to slowly pull out from the recession, while spending cuts across Europe have crushed recovery, Brown says. Depending on the outcomes of elections in Germany, Europe may begin pursuing much looser monetary policies.